We all have dreams – whether it’s to land a good job, live independently or be part of a secure, loving family, we all want to belong and Challenge Community Services can help.
Challenge provides a range of services including foster care, disability services, therapeutic services and business services (via supported employment options).
Everyone belongs, everyone grows and everyone makes a contribution according to Challenge chief executive officer Barry Murphy.
Challenge first started in 1958 when a small group of concerned parents met at the Tamworth Town Hall and formed the Tamworth and District Handicapped Children’s Association and school.
Mr Murphy said the idea that it would become one of the largest community support services operating in NSW was probably beyond their wildest dreams.
Challenge now has 70 sites across NSW and a workforce of over 620 people, including 85 employees with a disability. Challenge Foster Care is now the third largest provider of out-of-home care in NSW providing foster care services to more than 500 children.
Challenge provides support across its varied services to more than 2500 people from Albury to Lismore, Sydney, Gunnedah, Dubbo, Tamworth and beyond.
“Challenge pride ourselves on providing clients with quality NDIS registered programs,” Mr Murphy said. “We offer daily living support, accommodation and housing, community access, activities, support coordination, school leavers’ employment support programs and respite.
“Our Connexions program is for young active adults with a disability. It is designed to help our clients take their first steps out into the world giving them the skills for the life they want.”
Challenge Therapeutic Services has an experienced team of professionals who work to provide the highest quality interventions, treatments and behaviour supports and is a registered NDIS and Medicare provider.
The foster care service focuses on quality care for children in need and carers have a dedicated case worker, and 24/7 on call support, while the group’s business services provides a variety of training and employment opportunities for people with a disability living in the North West and Hunter regions of NSW.
“We assist people to reach their potential through innovative and people-focused services,” Mr Murphy said.
“People, everywhere in our community, will experience the power of inclusion through relationships, voice and action.”
Article from the Inverell Times, 14 August 2017.
